DEBORAH PERKINS
New York City
Summary
Strategic human services leader with over 15 years of expertise in social service operations and housing programs. Skilled in improving program outcomes and maintaining regulatory compliance, with a strong track record of leading multidisciplinary teams to enhance housing stability and client engagement.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Services Supervisor
Women In Need (WIN)
Queens
12.2022 - Current
- Provide leadership and operational oversight for social service functions within a DHS-funded family shelter serving families experiencing homelessness.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate multidisciplinary staff responsible for assessments, service planning, housing placement, crisis intervention, and case management services.
- Monitor program performance indicators, compliance standards, documentation quality, housing outcomes, and client engagement metrics to ensure achievement of organizational goals.
- Lead interdisciplinary collaboration among housing, security, childcare, recreation, income-building, and external service providers to improve service delivery and client outcomes.
- Conduct quality assurance reviews, case consultations, supervisory conferences, and corrective action planning to maintain compliance with DHS and organizational requirements.
- Support housing placement initiatives, voucher utilization efforts, and transition planning to facilitate successful exits from shelter.
- Utilize CARES, HOMES, WIN Impact, and other reporting systems to analyze data, identify trends, and implement performance improvement strategies.
- Serve as a key operational leader during periods of leadership transition, ensuring continuity of services, staff accountability, and regulatory compliance.
- Partner with executive leadership to address staffing needs, operational challenges, audit preparation, and program improvement initiatives.
Case Manager
Women In Need (WIN)
Brooklyn
03.2020 - 12.2022
- Managed a diverse caseload of families experiencing homelessness, conducting assessments, developing service plans, and coordinating housing-focused interventions.
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to connect clients with housing, employment, public benefits, childcare, healthcare, legal services, and community resources.
- Maintained compliance with DHS standards, documentation requirements, and organizational policies while supporting clients toward housing stability and self-sufficiency.
Targeted Case Manager Supervisor
So Others Might Eat (SOME)
Washington
01.2010 - 12.2020
- Supervised social service professionals delivering comprehensive case management and wraparound services to vulnerable populations.
- Directed staff development efforts through coaching, performance management, training, and professional development initiatives.
- Oversaw program operations, service delivery, documentation standards, and quality assurance activities.
- Led onboarding and workforce training programs that strengthened staff competency, consistency, and compliance.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers, government agencies, and community partners to improve service coordination and client outcomes.
- Analyzed program data and operational trends to support strategic planning and continuous quality improvement efforts.
Social Services Supervisor / Family Rapid Rehousing Program Leader
Howard University
Washington
01.2006 - 12.2010
- Directed day-to-day operations of a Family Rapid Rehousing Program, supervising case management staff and ensuring effective service delivery to families experiencing housing instability.
- Led team of five case managers in housing stabilization, crisis intervention, resource coordination, and client advocacy to enhance family outcomes.
- Developed partnerships with community organizations, housing providers, government agencies, and stakeholders to expand service access and housing opportunities.
- Monitored compliance with program requirements, funding expectations, housing-first practices, and documentation standards.
- Facilitated staff supervision, case conferences, workforce development activities, and performance improvement initiatives.
- Managed data systems including HMIS, STEP Tool, and CATCH to evaluate program performance and identify service gaps for improved reporting.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Critical Race Theory, Urban Poverty & Social Inequality
Columbia University
New York, NYMaster of Public Policy (MPP) - Urban Policy & Development
Howard University
District of ColumbiaBachelor of Arts (BA) - Sociology
Howard University
District Of ColumbiaSkills
- Social Services Leadership
- Housing program management
- Housing Placement & Retention
- Crisis intervention
- Program management
- Staff supervision
- Quality assurance
- Regulatory compliance
- Strategic planning
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Workforce development
- Change management
- KPI Monitoring & Data Analysis
- Data Reporting & Analytics Systems
- Data Management Systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- Client Management Systems
- Data Reporting & Analytics Systems
Timeline
Social Services Supervisor
Women In Need (WIN)
12.2022 - Current
Case Manager
Women In Need (WIN)
03.2020 - 12.2022
Targeted Case Manager Supervisor
So Others Might Eat (SOME)
01.2010 - 12.2020
Social Services Supervisor / Family Rapid Rehousing Program Leader
Howard University
01.2006 - 12.2010
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Critical Race Theory, Urban Poverty & Social Inequality
Columbia University
Master of Public Policy (MPP) - Urban Policy & Development
Howard University
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Sociology
Howard University